An average of two goals was scored per game in the NPFL with champions Rivers United dropping points at home.
There were five (5) wins in eight (8) matches as the NPFL returned for the decisive second half of the season on Sunday.
All five wins were for home teams with three draws, one of which saw in-form champions Rivers United salvage a point at home.
A total of 16 goals were scored on Sunday, with the game between Enugu Rangers and Bayelsa producing the most goals.
Here is the recap of what happened on the first day of resumption in the NPFL.
Rivers United 1-1 Abia Warriors
The defending champions were saved their blushes on the day thanks to a last-minute goal from midfielder, Morice Chukwu.
United have been in fine form in the league and the CAFCC and came into the NPFL game against Abia Warriors at the back of a seven-match unbeaten run.
08:31 - 26.03.2023
NPFL Football League returns with a bang
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However, after a goalless opening 45 minutes, it was Abia Warriors who broke the deadlock in Port Harcourt when Kalu Nweke put the Ochendo Babes 1-0 ahead.
The Pride of Rivers came close to the equaliser on several occasions but were frustrated by the centre referee who was having none of their incessant penalty appeals.
In added time, nevertheless, their persistence finally paid off as Chukwu netted the decisive leveller to ensure United get a share of the spoils.
Enyimba 1-1 Bendel Insurance
The game in Aba between NPFL Group A leaders, Enyimba and Bendel Insurance, was our featured game for week 10.
Despite both teams sharing the spoils following a 1-1 draw, the encounter lived up to its pre-match hype as the game of the weekend.
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20:38 - 26.03.2023
NPFL Osarenkhoe stunner denies Enyimba revenge vs Bendel Insurance
The NPFL match of the day between Enyimba and Bendel Insurance lived up to its pre-match hype, with Imade Osarenkhoe the difference maker again.
Two of the division’s top strikers, Chukwuemeka Obioma and Imade Osarenkhoe scored both goals on the day to add to their respective tallies this season.
Akwa United 2-0 Shooting Stars
Newly promoted side Shooting Stars of Ibadan are doing anything but reaching for the stars.
Shooting Stars, as known as 3SC, were sent back to their base in Ibadan empty-handed following a 2-0 defeat in Uyo to Akwa United.
Two goals in the space of two second half minutes were all the Promise Keepers needed to see off the Stars.
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22:34 - 26.03.2023
NPFL Gbenga Ogunbote hopeful of coming back stronger after Akwa United defeat
Akwa United defeated Shooting Stars at the Godswill Akpabio Stadium in Uyo.
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Shooting and their boss, Gbenga Ogunbote, are walking on a tightrope, with the latest defeat taking their record to four matches without a win.
Kwara United 2-0 El Kanemi
It does seem Kwara United have rediscovered themselves under the guidance of the new man, Kabiru Dogo following another important victory in the NPFL.
Dogo, who was appointed just before the break, used his magic wand to lead the Afonja Warriors to another positive outing.
Kwara United were 2-0 winners over El Kanemi Warriors thanks to two late goals from Anthony Omaka and Samad Kadiri.
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The win means Dogo has now won back-to-back matches since he was appointed and extended his unbeaten run to three matches.
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11:17 - 17.03.2023
FEDERATION CUP Afonja Warriors celebrate FA Cup win with royal visit to the Emir
Kwara United also known as Afonja Warriors defeated ABS to the state FA Cup title.
Elsewhere in the NPFL
Plateau United defeated Gombe United 2-0 in the regional derby in Jos while Remo Stars ended a run of three matches without a win with a narrow and hard-fought 1-0 defeat of Nasarawa United in Ikene.
It was a much-needed 2-1 win for Enugu Rangers and their fans over Bayelsa United, with Sunshine Stars getting a valuable away point at Bauchi following a 1-1 draw with Wikki Tourist.
Akwa United gatecrash into top two
After the week 10 matches in the NPFL, there some interesting movements on the log.
In Group A, Bendel Insurance remain at the top after preserving their unbeaten record in Aba. Insurance are now six points clear of second-placed Akwa United.
Enyimba dropped out of the top two to fourth on the log while Plateau United move up to third after the win over Gombe.
In Group B
Rivers United have leapfrogged former leaders Lobi Stars at the top of the table on 19 points, the same as Lobi, who have an inferior goal difference.
Sunshine Stars and Abia Warriors complete the top four respectively in the group.
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